Sometimes I think this word gets a bad rap. You can’t tell someone (especially somoene of the opposite sex or someone who may be potential partner material) that you want to be their friend because it is looked upon as something bizarre.

“I want to be your friend.” Well, yeah. Is there something wrong with being upfront about that? There are plenty of people that I would really like to get to know on a more personal level and become friends with. There are people from here that I would LOVE to meet in person and enjoy their company.

I have acquaintances that I would like to call friend. There are people in my life who are on the cusp of becoming more like friends but aren’t quite there. There are people who may be friend but may have potential to be even more.

I have siblings who consider their partners their best friends. I think that’s the way it should be. If your partner isn’t your best friend first and foremost, do you really have a chance at the long haul? And even if they aren’t your *best* friend, shouldn’t you be friends? Shouldn’t you enjoy being together, sharing time, laughing, crying, whatever?

I think there are enough animosities and difficulties in this world without taking time to cherish those who truly do matter in our lives…those who we do call friend, who we would like to call friend.